Breaking down the Steelers 4 biggest NFL draft needs for 2022
Despite the season only being six games old for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team’s top needs for the 2022 NFL draft season are coming into view. Let’s take a closer look at the four positions the Steelers need the most while we wait out the bye week. Keep in mind, the Steelers traded nearly all their day three picks so those first three choices will be of the utmost importance and with four needs nearly equal in terms of value, things could get dicey.
Quarterback
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You keep hearing NFL pundits talk about the lack of a succession plan for the Steelers and the quarterback position. It’s one thing to say Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins might be serviceable but I don’t know if anyone sees either guy as leading this team to any extended success.
The problem is there are really only a couple of quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL draft who warrant a top pick and it’s unclear if the Steelers will be in a position to draft either one.
The names to keep in mind are Liberty’s Malik Willis, Ole Miss Matt Corral and Nevada’s Carson Strong. Corral and Willis are the two guys Pittsburgh could target in the first round but honestly, if Pittsburgh isn’t going to commit a top pick, there’s really not much point in going after one at all.
Offensive line
Gaurd, center or offensive tackle, take your pick. There isn’t a position on the line Pittsburgh can’t use an upgrade whether it’s to play tackle opposite Dan Moore, to replace guard Trai Turner or to play a true center position and move Kendrick Green to guard.
This draft is loaded with offensive linemen and there are several guys available in the first three rounds who would be instant upgrades. At center, Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum is truly elite. At guard, North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu is a tackle who will move inside and dominate. If the Steelers target an offensive tackle, Alabama’s Evan Neal and UCLA’s Sean Rhyan are both top-tier starters from day one.
Defensive line
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It’s a remarkable sight to see Cam Heyward playing as well as he is. But after Heyward, things get a little dicey. Stephon Tuitt continues to miss time with an injury and has proven to be somewhat unreliable in terms of his health. Beyond them, the prospects on the team feel more like journeymen and no one to really stand out.
The spot the Steelers really need improvement is on the interior. A true nose tackle who can eat up blockers and stuff the run. Someone to bring back memories of Casey Hampton. Among the top prospects, Georgia’s Jordan Davis is the guy who fits the bill. But if Pittsburgh opts for more undersized hybrid guys, Texas A&M’s DeMarvin Leal is the clear No. 1 and North Carolina State’s Cory Durden is the sleeper pick.
Wide receiver
You could probably argue a couple of positions here but given James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster are likely to leave, this is a significant need. Diontae Johnson is turning into a star before our eyes this season but it feels like Chase Claypool has taken a step back.
The top prospect as of now is Ohio State’s Chris Olave. His ability to run elite routes and get separation makes him very enticing to the Steelers. If the Steelers opt for a mid-round guy instead keep an eye on is South Alabama prospect Jalen Tolbert and his elite quickness and agility.
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